7 Ways to Seal and Maintain Your Basement Stairs: DIY Tips

When waterproofing their basements, many homeowners tend to focus on three areas: floors, windows, and walls. Sadly, they forget the basement stairs are also an area that’s vulnerable to moisture and water damage. 

Yes, moisture is a threat to your basement stairs. Rainwater and ground seepage are the major culprits. Deal with them before they hurt and compromise the structural integrity of your stairs.

Here’s how you can seal and maintain this structure.

1. Waterproof the Basement

Start by waterproofing your basement with effective solutions, including interior drainage and a sump pump if you haven’t done so. Also, check for foundation cracks or openings around pipes that allow water to seep through and repair them. Pay attention to the floor and wall joints and seal all gaps between them as well. Install a dehumidifier to dry out the basement air, as excess moisture will cause wood rot and other problems. 

Once you do this, do the following:

2. Control Roof Runoff 

Eliminate all the water threats on the outside by cleaning and repairing your gutters. Ensure downspouts are all intact and extend at least four feet away from your home’s perimeter. Downspouts that discharge rainwater close to your home can introduce water into the basement. Also, the downspouts can be connected to underground pipes. 

Re-grading the soil in your yard (so it slopes away) also prevents rainwater from collecting around the foundation walls. Trim all overgrown or bushy trees, as they can instigate leaks and impede water drainage. 

3. Caulk Your Openings 

Apply caulk to your doors, windows, ducts, roof flashings, and other areas. It’s a simple and economical waterproofing measure. Seal cracks around pipe openings with a fast-drying sealant. Use a multipurpose, paintable, and flexible caulk with fungicide. Once it cures, it will prohibit mold growth and build-up. 

4. Seal Wood 

Wood surfaces like the trim, sidings, and decks must be sealed for water protection. You can apply wood sealer using a roller, sprayer, or brush. The best product is engineered to provide the benefits of both water-based and oil-based coatings. Such a hybrid sealant beads and waterproofs wood, allowing it to weather to a natural gray. Ensure the stairs’ wood is free of soot, dust, dirt, grease, and mildew. 

5. Install Graded Drain Pipe 

Some homeowners worry about the possibility of water flowing right into their homes via hatchway entrances or through garage doors. When we are confronted by this problem, we do recommend our grated drain pipe system. It looks like a typical drainage pipe in the basement but with a half-round pipe and a grated top fitting. Spanning the base of the bottom of the stairs, this pipe arrests any water that flows over the drains and channels it to your sump pump. 

6. Seal the Concrete 

You need to clean and degrease the area that needs to be sealed. These include concrete surfaces, stucco, stone, or brick stairs. A variety of masonry and concrete sealing products are available. Once the surface is clean, apply a concrete sealer. The best sealer is chip-resistant and prevents water damage, ensuring the concrete doesn’t crumble due to freeze-thaw cycles. If you have freshly poured concrete, wait for 30 days before you apply the concrete sealer. 

7. Get a Stairwell Cover 

If you have exterior stairs leading from the outside to the basement, these need some TLC as well. If your basement doesn’t have hatchway protection or canopy, you should look into having one installed. The cover will reduce the amount of rainwater that gets to the door. It will also prevent the drain opening from blocking, improving its performance. Don’t let moisture or water damage your investment. Sealing and waterproofing your stairs is relatively simple, and it goes a long way toward protecting this vital structure. Contact the experts at JES Foundation Repair for a free basement waterproofing inspection and quote. We will assess your basement and other fixtures and let you know how to protect them from moisture or water.

Call JES for Comprehensive Basement Waterproofing Services

If you need help waterproofing your basement, call JES first! We’ll give your home a free inspection and estimate of repairs and/or proactive waterproofing measures.

We are one of the nation’s leading waterproofing experts, serving Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and the Outer Banks. Call us today!

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